Iceland Sheepdog

Origin

The Iceland Sheepdog is thought to be a descendant of the small herding dogs that accompanied the Vikings in AD 880 when they colonized Iceland. The Nordic Spitz breed was introduced into England in the Middle Ages and developed a following there in the 1500s. Even Shakespeare refers to the breed in Henry IV, though in less-than-complimentary terms. A distemper epidemic in the late 1800s nearly wiped out the breed in Iceland but determined English and Icelandic fanciers helped to revive it.

Temperament

Lively and affectionate, the Iceland Sheepdog is intelligent and quite trainable.

Activity Level

Like most Nordic Spitz breeds, the Iceland Sheepdog enjoys the outdoors and regular exercise. Smaller in size than most Northern breeds, the breed adapts to suburban or country living.

Height/Weight

The compact Iceland Sheepdog measures 15-19 in (38-48 cm) at the shoulder and tips the scales from 25-35 lb (11.5-16 kg).

Coat

The coat is thick and coarse.

Colour

The Iceland Sheepdog may be wheaten, wolf-sable, black or off-white, often with white markings and a black mask.

SponsorsSponsors

The Canadian Kennel Club is a national, member-based non-profit organization, incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada. It provides registry services for all officially recognized breeds of purebred dogs. Provides governance for all CKC approved dog shows, dog trials and canine events. Finally, the CKC is a communication organization informing all people interested in dogs.